Separable hemodialysis system connected by a movable arm

DETAILED DESCRIPTION That which is claimed is: 1.
A hemodialysis system which comprises: a dialysate handling unit for providing hemodialysis solution to the patient, comprising a hemodialysis solution pump and hemodialysis solution safety monitoring means; a blood handling unit which comprises a membrane dialyzer holder, a blood pump, and means for safely handling blood as it is pumped from the patient, through a membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient; a first conduit for conveying fresh dialysate from said dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit, and a second conduit for conveying spent hemodialysis solution away from said blood handling unit; said dialysate handling unit and said blood handling unit being connected by a movable arm to permit said blood handling unit to be positioned in a plurality of variable vertical and horizontal positions and distances relative to the dialysate handling unit, whereby said dialysate handling unit and said blood handling unit are separate from and movable relative to each other while hemodialysis is being performed.
2.
The hemodialysis system of claim 1 in which said blood handling unit also comprises a blood conduit connected through said blood pump and hemodialyzer and which has at least one bubble trap in said blood conduit.
3.
The hemodialysis system of claim 2 in which the portion of said blood conduit extending from said bubble trap to the patient is shorter than the first conduit.
4.
The hemodialysis system of claim 1 in which said means for safely handling blood comprises a pair of blood lines each communicating between patient connecting access devices and said blood handling unit, said blood lines each being of less length than the first conduit.
5.
The hemodialysis system of claim 4 in which said blood lines each have a length of about 1 to 3 feet, and the first conduit has a length of at least about 6 feet.
6.
The hemodialysis system of claim 1 in which said dialysate handling unit carries an electronic system for control of system functions, and a cable communicating between said electronic system and said blood handling unit to provide power and control from said electronic system to the blood pump and any other electrically operated components of said blood handling unit